NEWSLETTER
INSPIRATION
DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKINGShoppe Tips & Tricks ~ “The Stamp Effect”
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hello, lego here with my little introductory post. As you can imagine, I’m a bit nervous but even more excited and thrilled to be part of what I have always called “My First Scrapbooking Love”: Shabby Princess’ site. Two and a half years ago, when I first discovered this wonderful website, I would not even have dreamt of being a member of this creative “family”, so you might guess how happy I am now ;-)
Well, let’s get started … shall we? Today I’m going to show you one of my favourite Photoshop tricks, which I call “The Stamp Effect”. It’s really easy but very effective. Actually, I think I use it on almost all my pages ;-)
First, let me show you what I’m talking about, and then I’ll tell you the tiny bit of tech stuff you need to know in order to apply this yourself:
See the difference? The surface under the text on the right is somewhat absorbed and it gets a more realistic and less digital feel. And to be honest, that’s one of my major goals: to preserve the idea that a page could really have been made with paper, glue, stamps and all the rest.
So here are the instructions:
- Mark/highlight the text layer in your layer panel.
- Click on the layer and the layer style menu will pop open – with the Blending Options shown as the default. (If you have a PC you can double click on the layer OR right-click and choose Blending Options)
- Now choose the “gradient bar” at the very bottom and holding the “alt”-key at the same time click on the white triangle. (That’s really important otherwise you cannot select one half of the triangle only, and your element/text will disappear. By holding the “alt-key“, the triangle will split as you move).
- Move the split triangle to the left. The further left, the more absorption you’ll get.
Here is what you’ll see in photoshop. (Please note: the second screenshot is from my German version – but everything is exactly the same except for the words)
That’s it really ;-)
As you see in the examples below the effect depends largely on the surface below the text, on its structure, texture and colour mostly. (By the way, white paper is a killer in this case, it’s not working). The more texture the paper, the more dramatic the effect. You may want to play around with opacity as well.
This little trick here is also applicable to stickers, word art … any kind of element that you would put directly on your page. When you apply “the stamp effect”, your element does not seem to hover over the paper but rather merges with it. As mentioned before: it’s a must-have on most of my pages ;-) as is the soft light, which Rosy has brought to us just recently – right here on the blog. Here’s an overview to show you the differences:
Additionally, I’m gonna show you two layouts that feature this little trick here. I used it in the title work as well as in the journalling, the tabs, the banner…I have to mention though, that I think the stamp effect is more visible on printed pages than in digital versions. You’ll definitely notice a difference on cards and in books.
I hope you liked my first post and in case you have any additions or questions, please: go ahead and add a comment! Hope to see you back here tomorrow when Rosy’s Inspiration comes along!
Nov 14, 2012 @ 12:05:16
Neat effect! Do you know if there is a way to do this in Photoshop Elements 5.0?
Nov 18, 2012 @ 06:51:49
I’m very sorry, I don’t know photoshop elements at all.
Nov 10, 2012 @ 07:02:59
Thank you soooooo much! I have been wondering how to do this. You do realize that now I’m going to have to go through all my PS2012 pages and changed the text! Lol
Nov 08, 2012 @ 16:53:20
THANK YOU for this awesome-ist of awesome tips!!!!!! I’ve been using it and it’s super simple and sooooo effective I can’t believe I hadn’t discovered this little gem ages ago. LEGO you are a STAR!!!!! Amazing first post – can’t wait for the next one! xo
Nov 08, 2012 @ 16:34:51
This is so totally awesome!!! Thanks for sharing. I also love trying get my pages to look as real as possible. Great post!
Nov 07, 2012 @ 21:51:37
Congratulations on your first post lego! A fantastic tip – I have never tried this before so I’m off to give it a go – wonderful, thank you!
Nov 07, 2012 @ 16:52:22
Ha ha! I’ve long admired your layouts and I’m SO excited to learn some of your tricks! THANKS YOU, lego! :0)
Nov 07, 2012 @ 16:41:21
Oh dear lord that’s clever!! Perfect!!! I will be using this trick TONS. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. :)
Nov 07, 2012 @ 11:11:24
I have loved using the blending options ever since I discovered it, and you’ve given some great examples of what a difference it makes! No more floating text! I love how it automatically creates small gaps where your text is layered over another paper.
Nov 07, 2012 @ 11:18:06
thanks rosy, but on the second layout I cut out the gap. it would have been darker because the background (especially because of the shadow) is dark(er) as well.
Nov 07, 2012 @ 10:49:46
I think this trick is perfect for the LO I’m working on!Thanks!
Nov 07, 2012 @ 05:45:25
Danke schön for your first fantastic post! Too useful and nice effect, I will try it in my layouts. Thanks!